Do Deer Eat Arborvitae? Complete Protection Guide for Your Trees
Understanding the Deer and Arborvitae Problem
Yes, deer absolutely eat arborvitae trees. These elegant evergreens rank among deer's favorite winter meals. Property owners invest thousands in arborvitae for privacy screening and landscaping beauty. Unfortunately, deer can destroy these investments overnight.
Arborvitae trees transform outdoor spaces with their pyramidal shape and year-round greenery. They provide excellent privacy screens and windbreaks. Their superior cold tolerance makes them perfect for northern climates. However, their soft, nutritious foliage attracts hungry deer throughout the year.
Why Deer Target Your Arborvitae Trees
Seasonal Feeding Patterns -
Deer feeding behavior changes dramatically with seasons. During summer, deer browse various plants and may ignore arborvitae. Winter transforms these trees into primary food sources. Limited natural food forces deer toward landscaped properties.
Young arborvitae shoots contain high protein levels. Deer instinctively seek these nutrients for winter survival. Mature trees offer accessible browse at perfect feeding height. One adult deer consumes 5-10 pounds of vegetation daily!
Most Vulnerable Arborvitae Varieties -
Not all arborvitae face equal deer pressure. Emerald Green arborvitae suffers the most damage from deer browsing. These popular varieties have soft, palatable foliage deer prefer. American arborvitae and Eastern White Cedar also attract heavy feeding.
More resistant varieties include:
- Western Red Cedar cultivars
- Steeplechase arborvitae
- Spring Grove arborvitae
- Techny arborvitae
Signs of Deer Damage on Arborvitae
Early Warning Indicators -
Recognizing deer damage early saves your trees. Look for jagged, torn branch ends from deer browsing. Deer lack upper front teeth, creating rough tears, not clean cuts. Check for browse lines 4-6 feet high. In winter, hungry deer may strip entire sections bare, leaving branches completely defoliated with only brown stems remaining.
Missing lower branches indicate repeated deer visits. Bark stripping reveals severe winter desperation feeding. Fresh deer tracks and droppings confirm active feeding. Morning inspections catch deer damage before it spreads. The tree often develops an unnatural, lopsided shape with the bottom portion severely thinned or missing while the unreachable top remains full and green.
Damage Assessment Levels -
Light damage: Few branch tips missing, tree maintains shape. Recovery likely with protection.
Moderate damage: Multiple branches stripped, visible gaps forming. Immediate intervention required.
Severe damage: Tree stripped to trunk, permanent disfigurement. Consider replacement options.
Proven Protection Strategies That Work
1. Professional-Grade Deer Repellents
Commercial deer repellents offer the most practical first defense. Nature's MACE Deer Repellent creates an invisible barrier deer avoid. This weather-resistant formula lasts 30+ days per application.
Apply deer repellents before damage begins for best results. Spray thoroughly, covering all accessible foliage. Reapply after heavy rain or snow. Rotate between scent and taste deterrents monthly. This prevents deer from becoming accustomed and works to save your arborvitae.
Application schedule:
- Spring: Apply when new growth appears
- Summer: Monthly maintenance applications
- Fall: Increase frequency as natural food decreases
- Winter: Apply every month, repellent lasts longer during winter months.
2. Physical Barrier Solutions
Fencing Options -Eight-foot fencing provides guaranteed protection from deer. Deer rarely attempt jumping properly installed tall fences. Black mesh fencing blends into landscapes aesthetically. Electric fencing offers effective protection at lower heights.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives -Six-foot burlap wrapping protects individual trees affordably. Deer netting prevents access to lower branches. Wire cages work excellently for young trees. Fishing line barriers confuse and deter deer.
3. Strategic Landscape Design
Creating Natural Barriers -Plant deer-resistant perennials around arborvitae borders. Lavender, rosemary, and sage repel deer naturally. Thorny bushes like barberry create uncomfortable approach zones. Dense groundcovers eliminate comfortable feeding positions.
Surround arborvitae with these deer-resistant plant alternatives:
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Mugo Pine
- Japanese Pieris
- Boxwood varieties
- Juniper cultivars
4. Integrated Pest Management Approach
Combine multiple strategies for maximum effectiveness. Start with deer repellent applications as primary defense. Add physical barriers during high-pressure seasons. Incorporate deer resistant plants gradually over time.
Monitor deer activity patterns on your property. Adjust protection methods based on observed behavior. Document what works for future reference. Share successful strategies with neighbors facing similar issues.
